This was stressed by Weightlifting Association of the Philippines president Monico Puentevella, who is Pacquiao’s compadre, adding that despite the performance of the 37-year-old champion, he isn’t that dangerous anymore.

“Many have asked me more than a week ago, what’s my fearless forecast on that fight and I told them, it’s going to be unanimous decision. And, it’s because of his age and other concerns. His focus is not the same anymore. Good thing, he knocked down Vargas in the 2nd. From then on, Vargas was too careful in coming in,” Puentevella said.

“Next fight will be more interesting. The 5th fight with Manuel Marquez and the last one with undefeated pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather,” he added.

For the longest reigning Filipino boxing champion and current WBO inter-continental flyweight titlist Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes praised Pacquiao’s speed, power and good footwork. “He (Pacquiao) still has it,” he said.

“But, Manny’s performance evidently slowed down because of his age. He’s no longer that aggressive but, became more careful instead because Vargas is also strong and tall,” Edmund Villamor said.

Meanwhile, assessing former WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito ‘Filipino Flash’ Donaire on his unanimous decision loss to Jessie Magdaleno, Nietes said that the Filipino fighter has less job movement and footwork.

Edito Villamor, on the other hand, said that Donaire fought hard and deserved a rematch against Magdaleno.*